Police in Nova Scotia have confirmed that the stepfather of the missing Sullivan children—identified publicly by family members as Lilly and Jack—has been arrested on unrelated charges, a development that has generated public interest but has not changed the status of the ongoing search. Authorities emphasized that the arrest is not connected to the children’s disappearance and should not be interpreted as a breakthrough in the case, which remains active and urgent.

The arrest occurred earlier this week after officers apprehended the man on charges unrelated to the investigation involving the two missing siblings. Officials have declined to release specific details about the charges at this stage, citing privacy laws and procedural requirements. They stated only that the arrest stemmed from a separate matter discovered during the broader background work conducted while the missing-person search was underway.

Police stressed repeatedly that the stepfather is not being treated as a suspect in the disappearance of the children. “We want to be very clear,” one spokesperson said during a brief media update. “This arrest is unrelated. The search for the Sullivan children continues, and the investigation into their disappearance remains open and active.” The spokesperson added that the decision to disclose the arrest was made to maintain public transparency amid increasing community attention.

The disappearance of Lilly and Jack has gripped residents across the province, sparking widespread concern, volunteer mobilization, and a significant police presence in multiple areas. Search teams have been working through wooded trails, residential neighborhoods, roadways, and bodies of water, focusing on areas identified through tips, interviews, and digital mapping. Police say the children were last seen several days ago, and each passing hour increases the urgency of their efforts.

Authorities have continued to conduct interviews with family members, neighbors, and anyone who may have seen or interacted with the children in the hours before they disappeared. They have also been reviewing surveillance footage, analyzing digital evidence, and coordinating with specialized units trained in search-and-rescue operations. The RCMP has expressed gratitude to volunteers assisting with the search but has also asked the public to avoid interfering with official search zones to allow trained teams to work efficiently.

Community members have gathered in growing numbers near the search headquarters, offering food, supplies, and assistance to searchers. Parents in the area say they are deeply shaken by the situation, and many have begun taking extra precautions with their own children. Posters with photos of the siblings have appeared in shop windows, on telephone poles, and across social media platforms, where the disappearance has become one of the most widely discussed topics in the region.

As news of the stepfather’s arrest spread, online reaction intensified, prompting police to reiterate that speculation could harm the investigation. “We understand the public is concerned and seeking answers, but unverified assumptions can create confusion and slow down our work,” officers said. “We ask that people focus on factual information and allow investigators to do their jobs.”

Family members of the missing children have issued limited statements, asking for privacy while search efforts continue. Relatives close to the siblings have described them as bright, friendly, and closely bonded. They say the family is devastated by the situation and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Community supporters have responded with empathy, organizing vigils and online campaigns to keep attention on the case.

As for the stepfather, police say he is currently being held pending further legal proceedings, though they declined to specify whether he has been offered bail. They emphasized again that his arrest should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing in the missing-person case. “We conduct thorough background checks in cases like this,” an investigator explained. “If we encounter unrelated legal issues, we address them accordingly. But it does not change our approach to locating the children.”

Search teams have faced difficult terrain and weather challenges in recent days, including rain, dropping temperatures, and reduced visibility in wooded areas. Despite these obstacles, authorities say they remain committed and “will not stop until all possibilities are exhausted.” Additional equipment, including drones and thermal cameras, has been deployed to expand the reach of the search.

Residents of towns surrounding the search zones say they have been checking their own sheds, yards, and wooded paths, hoping to contribute in any way possible. Several individuals reported potential sightings or sounds, though none have led to definitive leads so far. Police continue to review every tip, no matter how small, stressing that missing-person investigations often hinge on seemingly minor details.

Law enforcement officials have also noted that missing children cases often require careful coordination between multiple agencies, including local police detachments, search-and-rescue units, digital forensic teams, and child-protection services. The current investigation is operating under that structure, with agencies sharing information and resources in real time.

Amid growing public anxiety, officials have remained measured and focused. They say their primary goal is returning Lilly and Jack safely to their family. “We are treating this as a recovery mission,” one officer said. “We will continue to search relentlessly until we have answers.”

Community leaders have encouraged residents to stay hopeful while also recognizing the emotional toll the situation has taken. Local organizations have set up support stations for volunteers and families affected by the ongoing search. Mental-health professionals have also been made available to assist those experiencing stress or distress related to the case.

As the investigation enters another day, the arrest of the stepfather remains a significant but separate development. Police have assured the public that they will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available, but they emphasize that their search plan—built on careful analysis and evidence—must guide their efforts.

For now, the focus remains on finding Lilly and Jack. Every new search sweep, every drone flight, every interview, and every review of footage reflects an entire community united in that goal. And while the arrest has fueled speculation, authorities continue urging the public to channel their energy into awareness, cooperation, and patience.

In a province where neighbors often describe one another as family, the disappearance of two children has struck at the heart of the community. The arrest may have complicated the emotional landscape, but it has not changed the mission. The search continues—and so does the hope that answers will come soon.